Massey,team unable to take Top Fuel crown in season finale at Pomona

Spencer Massey and the FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel team again endured a character-building day in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season-finale.

Spencer Massey

Photo by: NHRA

Massey opened the day by keeping his hopes alive by defeating Don Schumacher Racing teammate and points leader Antron Brown in dramatic fashion. Massey had to pedal his dragster, clocking an elapsed time of 3.91 seconds, but Brown's dragster broke a fuel line and Massey got the win light.

That paired Massey with Brandon Bernstein in the second round. Massey was ahead until his dragster malfunctioned and didn't make a full pass, giving Bernstein the win and dashing Massey's hopes of his first Top Fuel championship for the second straight year. Bernstein went on to win the event.

"We really tried to win this championship," said Massey, whose team won four event titles this year. "Hats off to all of my guys. Even though we did have a malfunction there which cost us the race, it's nobody's fault. The car was strong, wish it could've been a little bit stronger, but all things considered we had a great year.

"These things run on nitro methane and anything can happen. Just to be in the fight on Sunday at the World Finals is awesome. I'm ecstatic to get out here next year and try for it again."

Despite the disappointment from the loss, Massey was able to reflect on his incredible season.

"Obviously we are disappointed because we did want to win the championship. It's disappointing but we are not hanging our heads low because we did have an incredible season. We won four races, the Shootout and we came here with a chance."

His 2012 season will only serve as fuel to drive his 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

"It's going to make us that much hungrier to try and do it next year. I can't wait to get out here and try it again. Hopefully we can come out swinging."